The great, inimitable Stan Tracey - the Cockney Thelonious Monk (amongst other things) - died today aged 86. He was a heroin addict for about 30 years, continued to drink copiously, smoke like a chimney and puff president strength weed up until the end. He also played pretty good piano.

The jazz life, eh? Be warned. You might live to 86 and be gigging up until days before you get the call.